Various extracts of the flowers of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. (Family-Lecythidaceae)
were evaluated for potential immunomodulatory activity using the in vitro polymorphonuclear
leukocyte function test (human neutrophils). The methanol extract was evaluated for
immunomodulatory activity in in vivo studies, using rats as the animal model. The extracts were
tested for hypersensitivity and hemagglutination reactions, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as
the antigen. Distilled water served as a control in all the tests. The successive methanol and water
extracts exhibited a significant increase in the percentage phagocytosis versus the control. In the
in vivo studies, the successive methanol extract was found to exhibit a dose related increase in the
hypersensitivity reaction, to the SRBC antigen, at concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg in animal
studies. The successive methanol extract was found to stimulate cell mediated and antibody
mediated immune responses in rats. It also enhanced the phagocytic function of the human
neutrophils, in vivo.

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